Conference rusure::math

1555.0. "How to solve a polynomial ?" by UTRTSC::OOSTERHOF (Yes, I need a drink...) Mon Feb 03 1992 04:32

    
    
    Hello all,
    
    
    Consider the following 2-dimensional picture:
    
    A U-shape, where the distance between the legs is X. Now, draw in
    this shape a straight line of length=2 from the left bottom corner 
    to the right leg. It will intersect the leg at height B.
    Draw another straight line of length=3 from the right bottom corner
    to the left leg. It will intersect the leg at height C.
    The two lines cross at height=1.
    
    The question now is: What is X ?
    
    I have found that following two equations are valid:
    
    		C�-B�=5  and   B+C=B*C.
    
    Try to solve this and you'll get a 4th grade polynomial from which 
    a value for B and C can be approximated. 
    What I want is not an approximation but a straight formula like
    sqrt(p)+q or something like that.
    
    Willem.

    See topic 455.
    
    
    				-- edp